epping forest - theydon bois history about the walk ......points of interest 6. woodland trust site,...
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Theydon Bois
Country Walk
The village of Theydon Bois dates
back to at least medieval times. In
1066 the villagers numbered 10.
The name Theydon Bois comes
from the Bois family (de Bosco)
who held the manor in the 12th
and 13th century.
In 1381 the villagers of Theydon
Bois took part in the peasant’s
revolt. Between 1348 and 1351 the
Black Death killed approximately
30% of the population. The peasants were hit the hardest
because there was a shortage of labour and food was
scarce. The statute of labours meant the peasants could
not demand more money for their labour and therefore
could not profit from the shortage. Poll tax to pay for the
Hundred Years War was introduced as a one off tax but it
was so successful it was repeated three more times. This
was the last straw for the peasants and in May 1381 riots
broke out in Essex. These quickly spread across the
country. The riots lasted a month before the King agreed to
the peasants’ demands and convinced them to return
home. After this the King sent out orders to execute the
rebels. In Essex around 500 people were put to death
without any form of trial. In other counties the death toll was
even higher.
The notorious highwayman John Rann was known to
frequent the area. His nick name was Sixteen String Jack.
This came from the 16
colourful strings he
wore around the knees
of his breaches. He
was arrested for
highway robbery six
times before finally
being convicted and
hung in 1774 at the age
of 24.
Theydon Bois History About the Walk
Theydon Bois Country Walk is 3½ miles and should take
approximately 2 hours to walk.
The footpaths on the walk are in good condition, but they will
become muddy after wet weather. There is a small amount of
road walking involved along main roads, please take care
whilst walking along these. Please follow the Country Code.
Keep dogs on a lead near livestock, and keep to the footpath
when walking across privately owned land.
There is a pay and display car park next to Theydon Bois
underground station.
For any footpath queries please contact Essex County
Council on 08457 430 430.
Countrycare website: www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/countrycare
Email: [email protected]
Twitter or Facebook: @EFCountrycare
Sixteen String Jack. Picture from
Wikipedia.org
Theydon Bois
Country Walk
Produced in 2015
Points of Interest
6. Woodland Trust Site, Theydon Bois.
This section of the walk belongs to the Woodland Trust. It
is believed to have once been part of Epping Forest and
remnants of ancient woodland can be seen in the
hedgerows and nearby. This site has been newly planted
to restore the habitat to woodland. Sections have also
been left as grassland habitat and a small orchard has
now been planted too.
1. Theydon Bois Station
Today’s Central line started life in 1865 as an extension, from
Loughton to Ongar, of the Great Eastern Railway. It was
mostly for passenger use and encouraged the development
of towns such as Loughton, Theydon Bois and Epping.
Suburban influences did not reach Theydon Bois and beyond
until after the war; until the fields supplied farm produce,
especially milk, which was delivered to the stations on farm
carts for daily transport into London.
2. The church of All Saints.
The Church was constructed and reconstructed in phases
over the centuries. Part of the nave is dated to the 13th
Century and the tower was constructed in 1520. The Church
is situated near an ancient Roman Road and an old medieval
road both of which were main routes into London at one time.
3. Monks Walk
This green lane, known as “monks walk” dates back to
medieval times. It was once the main route between Abridge
and Harlow and was probably much wider. Now, however
hedgerows and scrub have encroached and the path is only
wide enough to travel on foot.
4. Roding View
The view to the south across the valley of the river Roding is
an attractive mosaic of fields, hedges and woodlands. These
ancient woodlands can be seen close up if you follow the
Lambourne Country walks.
5. London View
On a clear day this
section of the walk
offers a wonderful
view of the London
skyline.
Theydon Bois Pond, on the green next to Poplar Row.